Wheels and News

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Bicycle Diaries II - Hit by a Car

With less than 50 days to ALC 6, I was hit by a car on Sunday morning!

Ok, this might be a little exaggerate, but at least it gets your attention (this is how a reporter survives his job…just kidding).

This Sunday morning was one of the days where riders would struggle: whether to stay in bed, hoping it rains or wake up and get ready for the training ride, praying for the disappearance of the dark clouds. I got 2 calls around 6 a.m. from riders who were excited for the ride yet not sure if we were going to ride. As I’ve got 20 RSVP from the riders, unless it was heavy rain, otherwise we will ride on. And we did.

Sunday’s ride was from the Rose Bowl to Claremont, traveling across more than 10 cities in the San Gabriel Valley. This is one of my favorite rides and with the help from co-leader Brian and Kathie, we got 23 people in this ride. Although it was drizzling here and there, it was still a fun and great ride.

Oh yea, I got hit by a car. This was on Foothill Blvd. in Glendora before the Citrus College. I was caboosing with 2 riders, Robin and Debra, suddenly out of no way, this car just pass by me with zero distance between the car and my bike. Debra said “you just got hit but you handle so well, so calm.” To be honest, I didn’t know I was hit, I just knew the car was SO CLOSE to me that I had to yield to the right and almost lost my balance. I was so-called calm because it happened so fast that my brain didn’t get the chance to process on how to react.

Luckily I was OK. No injury. Debra who rode behind me said she got hit too. That car stopped at the next red light and we were able to catch up with her. I knocked on her window which was roll down an inch and yell at her “what was the hurry? You just hit us!” With her obviously not too-care and not-realize face expression, she didn’t reply and drove off when the light turned green. Debra said the driver looked like she was on drug!

Yes, it’s dangerous on the road, we kind of expected every time we roll out and keep reminding ourselves: stay alert all the time.

For the rest of the ride, we just pay extra precaution and we had to ride slow because Robin was happing gears problem. We finished shortly after 5 pm for this 76 miles ride.

On Saturday, I leaded another ride that starts from the Rose Bowl, it was a 46 miles ride with Lida and La Tuna Canyon, two of the famous hills among the cycling circuit. Pedro co-lead with me on the ride and we had about 28 riders.

I was staying with the slow group (yes, caboose again) and by the time we got to the first pit stop at the Sunland Produce, 2 riders had flat tire. I helped them fixed the flats. Later on, Larry had gearing problem, his chain dropped many times that makes it hard for him to do the climbing.

I’m glad I lead these back-to-back rides. Other than the weekend rides, I also rode by myself on Friday around the Rose Bowl and did 2 spinning classes and a Pilate class on Thursday, this time I felt better, still, the abs hurts!

Total mileage for the week: 141 miles.

Next Saturday is the ALC’s Day on the Ride, we’ll be doing a 80-mile ride in the west side and Sunday is the monthly consolidated training starts at the Griffith Park.

Kathie giving safety speech

Riders excited about the ride when the sun comes out

what are they in line for?

The bagels!

Debra can't wait for her breakfast

The "Caboose Club" Robin & Debra

Cute trees in Glendora

SG River bike path near Duarte/Azusa

Dark sky + old hotel in Sierra Madre

Dragon resting after some 60+ miles

Monday, April 09, 2007

Bicycle Diaries II - Bunny! Got Eggs?

Happy Easter! Got Eggs?
(Cycle Buddy James Ray pose as Sexy Bunny)

While everyone was enjoying their cloudy Easter weekend, I continued my training. On Saturday, I co-lead a ride with Brian, we traveled south along the San Gabriel River Bike Path, from Irwindale to Seal Beach for brunch and back.

There were 27 of us in this ride. Most importantly, my buddy Suzann came all the way from Torrance to join us, to celebrate our “anniversary ride.” I met Suzann at last year’s Easter Day ride in Culver City. We’ve been cycle buddies since. It’s very important to find someone who rides the same pace you and I’m glad I met Suzann. Of course there were Kenny, Jennifer and Khoa too, we called ourselves “Team Misfit.” However Kenny & Jennifer will not be riding this year and Khoa lives in Orange County.

It was a 70-mile ride, going down the bike path is a little easier, as we don’t have to stop for lights or stop signs and most importantly there’s no traffic! I was leading the group for the first 20 miles, and Brian said “there’s no Car Back today (we call out when a car is approaching from the back so the riders in front are aware of it and will try to stay away from the traffic) because Kar is in front.”

The closer we get to the beach, the stronger the headwind. It was hard to peddle for the last 5 miles. We had brunch at the River End Café. Coming back was easier as we got the tailwind. After finishing the ride, I drove to Claremont to map out the route for next week ride.

On Easter Sunday, I joined a group ride from Griffith Park. Because of the holiday, there were only 12 riders in this ride, however we still had lots of fun riding up Chevy Chase and La Tuna Canyon Road. By the time we got back to the parking lot, Griffith Park was filled with people picnicking and celebrating Easter.

Both days we came across some sprinkles. That did not stop us from peddling, just made us peddle faster so we don’t get soaking wet. I did 2 spinning classes this past week and my first pilates class on Thursday, I was SO sore but loved it!

Total mileage for the week: 120.4 miles. I hit my 4000-mile on the way down to Seal Beach and now my odometer read 4085miles! 7 more weekends till ALC 6.

Next week I will be leading 2 rides, both start at the Rose Bowl. On Saturday (4/14) we will go up Lida and La Tuna, a 45-mile ride with good hill training. On Sunday (4/15) we will travel across the SGV, from Pasadena to Claremont, a 75-mile ride. If you’re interested, please email me.

Eventhough it was cloudy and sprinkling, we have a great turn-out

The bike path near Santa Fe Dam

The bike path near Seal Beach

Enjoying brunch after 35 miles ride

Our beloved TRL - Tony lecturing the newbies

Look at me... hungry and funny

Suzann can't wait to take a bite

Celebrating our First Anniversary

So far I've ridden 4085 miles!

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Bicycle Diaries II - Sunny Century

Not April Fool, just the spirit of Easter Bunny!

Beautiful Saturday in Ventura! For the second year in a row, I participated in the Paul Hulse/Positive Pedalers Century which started from Valencia and traveled north to Ventura. Yes, with less than 5 hours of sleep, I drove more than 80 miles for this century ride, but it was well worth-it. Paul Hulse was one of the creators of the original California AIDS Ride (CAR), which changed its name to AIDS/LifeCycle (ALC) 6 years ago. He passes away few years ago.

This ride was organized by Positive Pedalers, Team Ventura and the Chain Gang. Compared with last year’s heavy rain morning, this year’s 80+’F weather was perfect. I attempted for my first century ride last year at this ride, but only did 50 miles because the organizer canceled the century option due to weather and road conditions. This year, with all the training I’ve been doing and experience gained over the year, I was so looking forward to complete my Ventura-Century-Mission.

More than 170 riders showed up for this ride, with 120+ registered for the century option, including my cycling buddy Suzann. I saw some old faces and many more new faces. Evelyn, Pat and Michael were among riders that I know from ALC 5. Some of my Tour de San Gabriel regular riders were there too, including Chuck, Debra, Susan, Robin and Kristen who were attempting for their first century ride. I was as excited as they were.

From Valencia we traveled north to Piru for our first stop. Kathie, Virginia, Ron and Michael from Different Spokes hosted the pit stop. It was so nice to see them at the Piru RR Station Park. We then continued our journey to Fillmore and then Ventura. Traveling on highway 126 allowed us to ‘fly’ with the traffic, but also kind of dangerous especially when huge trucks passed by, felt like we were being ‘blow away.’

Our lunch stop at mile 51 was set up at Marina Park in Ventura by Positive Pedalers. Every rider was greeted by our fabulous Ginger who dressed in pink. Her dress was made from bubble wrapper, how creative! The fog came in while we were enjoying delicious subway sandwiches at the park.

We headed back to Valencia almost the same way we came from. Biking through some citrus and vegetable farms was another eye-opening experience. Suzann and I finished shortly after 4 p.m., it took us 6 hours and 15 minutes for this 102.5 miles ride. Suzann had to leave right the way because she had a party waiting for her. I relaxed at the parking lot with some other riders, waiting and cheering for riders who came to the finish line. Inspiring TRL Tony Z and Rebecca J rode in with Susan and Kristen shortly after 6 pm. This year’s ride was a total success!

I’m so proud for all the newbies who completed their first century ride. Congratulation to Chuck, Debra, Susan, Robin and Kristen. Later on we went to Black Angus for our “Victory Dinner.” I got home shortly after 8 pm.

I didn’t ride on Sunday. However, I did a 16-mile ride around the Rose Bowl and did the double-hills on Friday by myself. I also attend 3 spinning classes on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Total mileage for the week: 118.5 miles. Way to go! (I’m 35 miles away from my 4000 miles mark! I’ve ridden 801.8 miles since January 1st.)

Next Saturday (4/7), Brian and I will be leading a 70-mile ride from Azusa to Seal Beach along the San Gabriel River bike path. No traffic and no stop sign, should be a fun ride, just hope the weather will be nice, all tailwind! If you would like to join us, email me for more information.

Great turn out and a total success!

At the starting point, Suzann, Evelyn, Pat and Michael

Come get some food and water and rest...

Suzann and I at the first stop. Easter will be our "anniversary"... no we're not dating, our riding-buddy anniversary

First stop at Piru RR Staion Park. Kathie, Virginia, Michael, Ron and... friend of DS

Yes, she's riding in this unique small-wheels bike and she rocks!

Finally got to the lunch stop at Marina Park

Ginger welcoming riders to the half way lunch stop in her pink dress made of bubble wrapper. (Chuck is in the blue jersey)

Delicious lunch waiting for hungry riders

You're not supposed to eat junk food... but after riding 50 miles, you can eat anything you want

Which one is yours? Can I sail with you?

Beautiful scene at the Marina Park in Ventura

Still looking good after first 50 miles

Dragon resting by the marina

No, those 2 are not ALC bikes. We're lucky to have full support team that carries our luggage

Go Debra!

Robin smiling for her 1st century ride

The last contigent rode in to the finishing line

Woohoo... you made it, congratulation! Susan, Tony, Kristen, Rebecca

Victory Dinner @ Black Angus. Susan, Robin, me, Debra and Kristen

The official Sweep Vehicle

Happy Easter! No bunny, No candies!

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Bicycle Diaries II - Oh Deer!

Oh “Deer,” Tour de San Gabriel Valley is HOT!

After a week of absent, I’m back on the road. 23 riders showed up for the Saturday’s Tour de San Gabriel Valley ride. Two weeks ago, there were 16 of us, now the group is growing bigger. There were some old faces, and more new faces in the group. Some have been training for months to get ready for ALC 6, some were having their first group ride.

The ride started with basic stretching lead by co-ride leader Pedro. It’s very important to stretch before, during and after the ride, especially for us whom will be riding 7 days, long distance. Injury is not an option for all. After the safety speech by co-ride leader Corry, we were off for the challenge.

As a ride leader, part of the responsibilities is to make sure everyone gets back safely. At our second stop in Sierra Madre, I waited for 2 riders whom were once “missing” from the group while everyone else left for the Rose Bowl and started their hill challenge. After 30 minutes, there were no sign of them showing up, so I decided to take off and call them once I get back to the car.

The funny part was, I ran into them at the parking lot! They took a wrong turn and end up riding back on a different route. I was glad that they made it back safely. At the same time, I realized it is really not an easy job to be a ride leader because I have to put everyone else in front of me. I end up doing the Lida and Chevy Chase double-hill by myself, which was okay, just like the way I trained last season.

What goes around comes around, on Saturday evening I went to rider/TRL Tommy’s fundraising party and I won a raffle prize – a $10 Starbucks gift certificate!! As Tommy said, I always won something. The last time I won a prize was during the ALC kick-off party in January.

Sunday morning I joined Virginia, Kathie, Brian and some 40 other riders on a ride that starts from Griffith Park. We went up Chevy Chase again, except this was a longer version. While we were almost getting to the top, I saw a deer in the woods! In fact this was my second time seeing a deer in the area. I stopped for a picture while catching my breath. The deer looked at me from a distance and luckily there were no ‘deer attack.’

We stopped at Montrose for water and food. There was a farmer’s market Sunday, part of the road was closed and we had to use the side walk. The second part of the ride went up La Tuna Canyon, the reverse side, which as shorter and less hilly.

Total mileage for the week: 80 miles. Way to go!

Next Saturday I will be doing Paul Hulse century ride in the Valencia area. Hopefully weather will be nice. 9 more weekends till ALC 6 and I am still looking forward to your sponsorship!